Current Volunteer Needs

The following opportunities are currently available. To apply for any of these positions, please comple the volunteer application. Our Director of Volunteers will contact you to schedule an interview or invite you to an upcoming introduction to the Museum. If you have specific questions, please contact Janet Morris at 619.255.0245 or jmorris@sdnhm.org.  

Summer Camp Aides (High School)

The Education Department is seeking high school students (entering grades 11–12) as volunteer camp aides. Earn your community service hours being a camp aide. Camp aides participate daily in a variety of fun activities such as nature hikes, story time, crafts and science activities. Minimum age is 16. Two-week minimum commitment required. Shifts are 8 AM–12:30 PM or Noon–4:30 PM. Camps are June 10–August 23. Please complete the  volunteer application  to apply.

Summer Camp Assistants (College)

The Education Department is seeking college students as volunteer teaching assistants for summer camps. Learn about a career in teaching and expand your knowledge of local natural history. Facilitate activity sessions, help prepare materials, and assist instructors in ensuring that camp runs smoothly each day. If you would like to earn college credit for being a teaching assistant please consult your college/university for information about receiving college credit. Five-week minimum commitment. Shifts are 8 AM–12:30 PM or Noon–4:30 PM. Camps are June 10–August 23. Please complete the  volunteer application to apply.

Live Reptile Caretaker

The Exhibits Department is seeking people who love lizards, snakes, and bugs to help us keep our live-exhibit animals healthy. Duties include feeding, watering, cleaning, keeping cages beautiful, and talking with our Museum visitors. Volunteers need to realize that taking care of live animals requires commitment and responsibility. Animals are housed in both public and nonpublic areas. Reliability is a must. We have an opening on Tuesdays. Volunteers must be available 2–3 hours per week for a minimum of three months between the hours of 10 AM and 5 PM. Please complete the  volunteer application to apply.

Museum Whalers

Museum Whalers share the wonders of the ocean wilderness with people from around the world. The Tuesday evening classes (October 1–December 3, 2013) include learning about gray whales, rorquals, dolphins, sea lions, seals, birds, and presentation techniques. Upon completion of the training Museum Whalers are asked for a commitment of three cruises per month during gray whale season. To apply, please complete the volunteer application and select Museum Whaler. 

Docents

Join our vibrant Docent team and engage young and old alike in the wonders of natural history. Docents are trained teaching guides who deliver programs at local schools and in the Museum. After a six-month training (September 18, 2013-March 28, 2104) held on Wednesdays from 9 AM–2 PM, Docents are asked to volunteer one day per week for two years. To apply, please complete the volunteer application and select Docent.  

Canyoneers

Join a crew of hardy hikers and explore the coasts, foothills, mountains, desert, and local canyons. As a Canyoneer you trod the wild side of San Diego County. After a 10-week training (September 7–November 8, 2013) held on Saturdays from 8 AM–2 PM, Canyoneers are asked to lead six hikes per year for two years. To apply, please complete the volunteer application and select Canyoneer. To see our Canyoneers in action, visit the Museum calendar for upcoming hikes. 

For other volunteer opportunities in the San Diego area, visit the Cultural Volunteer Managers Council website.